You have 24 hours to vacate – AMA Mayor warns squatters after Avenor fire outbreak

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has warned that individuals who have survived the Avenor Industrial Area fire will not be permitted to return to the site after being evacuated. Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has announced that the Assembly had already issued notices to squatters and other occupants to leave the area, but some individuals remained despite the directive.

Speaking to Adom News, Mayor Allotey stated that the area is unsafe for people to inhabit and has given occupants a 24-hour window to vacate the premises. "We have already given them notice to vacate this place, but they are still here. After this fire, we are not going to allow anybody to come back and resettle here. They have 24 hours to vacate the area," he emphasized.

Mayor Allotey attributed the dangers associated with the area, particularly due to unauthorized structures operated by some occupants, to the risks posed by the fire. He emphasized that the Assembly would not permit the affected persons to return to the site once they have been evacuated. The Mayor also reported hearing information about one person reportedly losing their life in the fire, though he has yet to obtain further details to confirm the exact circumstances.

"I have been told that one person has died, but I am yet to get the full details. We are still gathering information," he added.

In his address, Mayor Allotey urged journalists to be cautious about providing platforms to individuals occupying areas illegally after such incidents to make demands for resettlement. "I think it is time journalists stopped giving opportunities to people who occupy illegal places to come and lament. We need to deal with the issue properly and ensure that people do not continue to occupy places that are not meant for habitation," he advised.